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Laser focus with 21 days and counting!

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish kick-off their 2017 season at home against Temple in three weeks.

Just a few days removed from seeing their renovated locker room, players practiced in the renovated stadium for the first time in full pads.

Brian Kelly saying Saturday the stadium provides a much needed distraction for the players.

“I think it’s gone from exciting to distracting. But not in a bad way. In a way that requires our team to focus. To lock in,” said Kelly.

Attitude, grit and laser focus.

Coach Kelly has been stressing these fundamentals since the 20-16 season ended.

“You start to run your offense down to that scoreboard and it is imposing in a sense that it can distract you if you are not locked in,” said Kelly.

Saturday all the players had to do is look up on their brand new video board to be reminded of that.

"I thought it was great to be in there today and to practice with things that can distract players at times,” said Kelly.

For the first time this season the Irish practiced in full pads in a renovated Notre Dame Stadium trying to work through those distractions knowing they’ll face many during the regular season.

"Everybody is excited to be playing football again. Getting over the first couple days of hype. That everybody is excited to be back playing football,” said sophomore linebacker Daelin Hayes.

With three Saturdays until Temple and distractions building, Coach Kelly says those traits will play a vital role in the team’s success, on and off the field.

“It’s gonna be a great atmosphere for our guys and they are really gonna enjoy it. But once it seeps in and they take in the atmosphere, it’s really gonna require them to have a laser focus,” said Kelly.